By Lucy Armour
Considering the 2026 Formula One season is only three races in, it may seem too early to talk about a potential George Russell v Kimi Antonelli Drivers’ Championship title battle.
However, last season the racing world showed us just how fast team rivalries can escalate.
Only nine points separate Antonelli and Russell after Mercedes have dominated the first few races of the 2026 season.
If the points gap remains tight, questions could be asked: ‘Does it impose team orders?’ or ‘is unrestricted racing allowed?’
As it is early to make any team calls, drivers will be advised to race with no restrictions, however, that could change if the points gap doesn’t start opening up.
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Mercedes have been here before
The conflict would not be new to the team, as Mercedes has already faced one of the most intense team-mate rivalries in Formula One.
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, while being close friends, fought for the championship in 2016, where Rosberg won before his retirement.
If one Mercedes driver is entering the final races with an advantage over the other team-mate, pressure and controversy may grow.
It could involve the priority of pit strategy or direct orders from the team.
Short-term championship management could affect the long-term presence of Mercedes drivers as one may feel sacrificed or that the possibility of a championship was torn away.
Other teams can influence the outcome
RedBull, McLaren or Ferrari may not have to win the championship to influence the title podium.
The possibility of crucial points being grabbed at key moments within the season could affect both of the Mercedes drivers’ finishing place.
Another rival stealing a top-podium spot in the latter stages of the season could determine the champion.
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The possibility of things not changing for Mercedes
If Mercedes remains dominant over the season, and both drivers are split by a handful of points, prepare to see the drivers fighting for the title until Abu Dhabi in December.
At that point, it isn’t just about who is behind the wheel in the fastest car – It is about who can keep composure under pressure.
That is the exciting thing about Formula One, expect to see the unexpected.
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SportJustSport writers 
Liberty Nicholson-Hulse